Groups FAQ

(currently being edited)

*There are currently no English language based groups. To create one, email francoisburra@imaginationforpeople.org

On Imagination for People, you can find two main types of groupes: Territorial groups (based on a region or a city) and thematic groups (based on a specific theme or field of interest). Read on to learn more on our various kinds of tools and how you can use them.

What's a territorial group?

These groups allow to bring together users and projects based in the same regions thus facilitation sharing and mutual aid. Many territorial have already been launched on I4P, many of them within the context of a partnership with a local organization or regional institution. Among these groups are Montreal create, launched with the Montreal "Conférence Régionale des Élus" (Conference of elected members), the Rhônes Alpes group (located in France) or IP Breatagne (IP Britain, located in France) launched with the help of Colporterre, a local organization.

What's a thematic group?

Thematic groups reach accross borders to address common themes or issues. As an example, are currently present on the I4P platform a group focusing on monetary innovation and another on Fab Labs. Through these groupes, citizens, social entrepreneurs and institutions interested in similar issues can come together and share innovative projects, help these projects and collectively solve recurring problems. Events and video conferences are also organized within some of these groups. Corresponants InnovAfrica, as an example, is closely involved with the InnovAfrica Forum on ICT for development which is held every year in West Africa.

How can groups help solve common issues and be used to generate new practices or recommendations?

From the group page, you can currently use two tools to work collaboratively and to discuss of recurrent issues. First, each group possesses a "discussion" tab where users can ask their question, answer others and place (through a voting system) the most interesting and detailed answers first.

Some groups also use a mailing liste to discuss and share information. When you join a group using a mailing list, you are automatically added to the list.

Finally, we are currently building a collective intelligence tool which will come out in its beta version this summer. Nammed Assembl, il will allow to mobilize the collective intelligence of hundreds or thousands of people, citizens or experts. They will be able to produce a document of any kind: recommendation, article, or even book. This methodologie developed by Jean-Michel Cornu has already been tested in writting a book on collective intelligence named La monnaie et après.

I'm a social entrepreneur. How can a group help me in realizing my project?

As mentionned previously, groups, thematic and geographic, allow for the collective resolution of problems. The discussion tab on the group allows you to ask your questions to a community interested and with expertise in the same topics as your project or to explore the answers to previously asked questions.

You will also notice that projects related to these groups are put forward on their homepage. Groups are there to support these projects. What this means, is that your project may be linked to a group (this action is currently done by the admin) thus helping you gain extra visibility within a group of people interested in the same issues as those addressed by your project. Soon, your project needs will appear on its respective group(s). This means that these same people will easily be able to help you realize your project.

How can I join a group?

Groups are currently listed under the Group/ All groups tab on the menu. When you see a group you like, click on the button "Join group and follow discussions" to join. Warning! You need to be registered on the platform to be able to join a goup.

N.B. No English-language based groups have been started yet. Want to start one or learn more? Email francoisburra@imaginationforpeople.org

May I join a group without being a specialist of its theme?

While groups on Imagination for People often focus on specific themes (e.g. FabLabs or monetary innovation) these groups are open to all, experts or curious citizen, professional or amateur. We believe that by aiming for the greatest number and favoring this diversity we will be able to best mobilze collective intelligence and get the most creative outcomes. Groups are therefore open to all. Contributions or questions, as simple or as advanced as you want, are always very welcomed and will be met with pleasure by the other members of the groups.

Do I need to contribute?

We do encourage everyone to actively participate in a group so they can get the greatest benefits. Nonetheless, you are welcomed to join a group while remaining an observer. The groups are there for you. Use it as you wish, according to the time and energy you want to put into it.

How can I create a group?

All ideas for new groups are welcomed. For the time being, you should email francoisburra@imaginationforpeople.org for any inquiries or to start a new group. We will shortly create an online form which will facilitate the creation of a new group.

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